TheAzania MosakaShow

Deputy secretary-general of the ANC Jessie Duarte told EWN that its sister radio station 702 is owned by people who historically hate the ANC.

Duarte said this after a media briefing held at Luthuli House on Tuesday about the Alliance Political Council.

EWN reporter Clement Manyathela spoke to Duarte after the briefing to get clarity on what she said about ANC NEC member, Tony Yengeni, to the Sunday Times.

Manyathela says Duarte was happy to clarify, however, a few minutes later made an about turn to instruct Manyathela not to use the recording simply because he is from 702.

If you were working for Africa World View I would have a different view because 702 is owned by people who have historically hated the ANC.

— Jessie Duarte, Deputy secretary-general of the ANC

Duarte went on to talk about 702 presenter Eusebius Mckaiser and how the 702 presenters have come to a conclusion about her that she is corrupt.

Some of you journalists have already made up your minds about who is and who isn't (corrupt) and you don't know anything about me.

— Jessie Duarte, Deputy secretary-general of the ANC

Eusebius McKaiser is someone I can't respect. I really tried very hard but I honestly struggle with myself to respect the person. But he is so opinionated that it is hard to respect him. I don't need his respect but I think what he needs to do is to respect somebody who is being honest.

— Jessie Duarte, Deputy secretary-general of the ANC

702 is a noted hater of anyone who is progressive so I have allowed you to record it but I have not allowed you to use it.

— Jessie Duarte, Deputy secretary-general of the ANC

EWN fully respects the deputy secretary general's decision to evoke her initial consent about her comment about Tonny Yengeni to be recorded. We do not broadcast audio unless we have the permission of the person that’s been
interviewed and as thus we would not broadcast that comment as per Duarte’s instruction

— Clement Manyathela, EWN political reporter

Secretary General at South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef), Moipone Malefane says Sanef condemns any kind of attack on journalists.

I think Ms Duarte should have answered the question instead of abusing the journalist.

— Moipone Malefane, Sanef secretary-general

I think Sanef will have to this forward with these politicians. it is wrong of her to decide because she does not agree with the question put before her, that she will ban the media house.

— Moipone Malefane, Sanef secretary-general

Malefane says Duarte had no right to instruct the journalist to withdraw her statement.

— Moipone Malefane, Sanef secretary-general

This is because in the clip you can hear her saying that I know I allowed you to record but do not use the recording. In this instant, she was angry, unlike someone who comes to you and says I didn't have the full story when I spoke to you, can I change the comment...

— Moipone Malefane, Sanef secretary-general

To hear the rest of the conversation with Duarte and Sanef's Moipone Malefane, listen below: